need a little help

[Seizure]

Hey guys, and girls. Just need a few tips or a bit of advice maybe??. I'm going to start making my own films on a no budget basis, when i say no budget i mean NO-budget, i'm going to shoot using my really crappy JVC GR-AX400, its gotta be about 6 years old,and my mates 8mm camera (quite old as well). I just wanted to know if there was anyway of improving the picture quality of the end result, because all the stuff i've filmed before looks, to be honest, like shit.i dont mean i want something looking like the matrix or anything just a little less grainy.
Thanks in advance. SeIzUre...

[SouthWalesFilmClub]

editing -- transfering from rough cut to finished edit with music is where the quality will drop big time...and that's HI-8.

[marti-c]

The big secret is to light every shot correctly. Spend some time getting good contrast ratios between the key light and the fill light and this will go a long way to making up for such a low quality format. We have said so many times on this forum........."it's not the camera you use ,it's the content that counts"

marti

[marti-c]

The big secret is to light every shot correctly. Spend some time getting good contrast ratios between the key light and the fill light and this will go a long way to making up for such a low quality format. We have said so many times on this forum........."it's not the camera you use ,it's the content that counts"

marti

[wageslave]

use whatever you've got. Sounds good.
Yep, good lighting and composition will go
a long way to making VHS look reasonable. Use a tripod and block your scenes (tell people where to stand, where to walk to, etc.) This will help make it look more professional and not simply home video.
Some software (like Premier) allows you to alter the image quality afterwards, perhaps a filter or two will help. Ive found that Black and White looks great on VHS. With colour Video cannot compete with film. DV perhaps, but not SVHS and VHS.

[randombob666]

He's right, convert it in to b/w after woulds, it looks far more professional , and he can call it an art film if it turns out shit.

[Ruthie]

Marti is right. Lighting is the most important element for improving your picture. You don't need money to do it either. When your shooting outside, use aluminum foil to cover a large flat surface (like a piece of cardboard). You can use this as a reflector to soften shadows. If you can find gold aluminum it will give it a nice warm color.

Also, do not shoot when it is really sunny out. The actors will squint and the shadows will be very hard. The best days are overcast days (just pray it doesn't rain). Your image will be better when it's cloudy

I think that an effect like black and white should only be used to enhance the video, not cover up bad footage. If black and white will improve the story, go for it. Many people take away from the story by adding cheesy effects. I know, I have been guilty of it myself!!